Mandarin Chicken Salad
Mandarin Chicken Salad combines tender poached chicken with fresh vegetables, crunchy noodles, and a rich peanut sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or light dinners. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast ⓘ
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup lite soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1/8 cup Oriental sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/8 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 3/8 cup green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup broccoli, blanched ⓘ
- 1/2 cup red pepper, julienned ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 pound angel hair pasta, cooked
- Peanuts for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Poach chicken in simmered water for 10 to 15 minutes or until no longer pink.
- Drain the chicken and set it aside to cool.
- When cool enough to handle, remove skin and bones and shred the chicken.
- Blanch the broccoli until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Stir water into peanut butter until smooth to make the sauce.
- Add soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, white wine, and sugar to the peanut butter mixture and stir well.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of sliced green onions and grated ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the shredded chicken, broccoli, and cooked noodles in a large bowl.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Garnish with peanuts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, adjust the water in the peanut butter mixture to your desired consistency. If you don't have dry white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or additional soy sauce. To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. This recipe’s flavors also complement Asian-inspired dishes, making it a great choice for a buffet or family gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mandarin Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crispy spring rolls for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with other Asian-inspired dishes like Chicken Stir-Fry Over Rice. For added crunch, top with extra peanuts or sesame seeds. This dish is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. This dish can also be served cold, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Chicken Salad contains roughly 497 calories, with 10g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1739mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
What can I substitute for the peanut butter?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as a substitute for peanut butter. Both alternatives will still provide a creamy texture and flavor, though the taste will vary slightly from the original recipe.
Is it possible to add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, carrots, or shredded cabbage to enhance the salad's crunch and nutritional value. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish while keeping it aligned with the flavors of Chinese recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).